Summit And Pinnacle Propel Growth with Acquisition of Houston Research Institute
Deal News | May 01, 2025 | LongueVue Capital LLC
Summit Clinical Research, in partnership with Pinnacle Clinical Research and supported by LongueVue Capital, has acquired the Houston Research Institute (HRI). The acquisition aims to leverage HRI's expertise in metabolic research, notably in areas like Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver disease, to enhance Summit’s clinical trial capabilities. Dr. Mazen Noureddin, a key opinion leader in metabolic disorders, joins Summit as Co-Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer, alongside new executives Dr. Naim Alkhouri and Brandon Early. The strategic move strengthens Summit and Pinnacle's scientific footing and operational prowess, propelling their shared goal of driving innovation in clinical research and drug development.
Sectors
- Clinical Research
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – The geography is relevant as LongueVue Capital is based in New Orleans, and the companies involved, Summit, Pinnacle, and Houston Research Institute, are located in the U.S.
Industry
- Clinical Research – The article discusses the acquisition of Houston Research Institute by Summit and Pinnacle Clinical Research, emphasizing the clinical research industry, particularly in complex therapeutic areas like metabolic and liver diseases.
- Private Equity – LongueVue Capital's involvement in supporting the acquisition aligns the article with the private equity industry, focusing on investment in growth-stage companies.
Financials
- $1 billion – Committed capital by LongueVue Capital across five funds.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| LongueVue Capital LLC | Private Equity Firm | Company | New Orleans-based equity investment firm providing growth capital to middle-market companies. |
| Summit Clinical Research | Acquiring Company | Company | Integrated research organization specializing in complex clinical trials with a worldwide network of clinical trial sites. |
| Pinnacle Clinical Research | Partner Company | Company | Site management organization focused on complex clinical trials across the U.S. |
| Houston Research Institute | Target Company | Company | Houston-based clinical research site specializing in MASH/MASLD, cirrhosis, and other liver-related diseases. |
| Dr. Mazen Noureddin | Co-Chairman & Chief Scientific Officer | Person | Founder of Houston Research Institute and key opinion leader in metabolic diseases, joining Summit's leadership team. |
| Dr. Naim Alkhouri | Chief Academic Officer | Person | Leading hepatology expert joining Summit to enhance scientific leadership in liver disease research. |
| Brandon Early | President | Person | Experienced executive in pharmaceutical services tasked with expanding Summit's service lines and therapeutic reach. |